"I always encourage my students to remember the excitement, passion, and motivation they felt during their PT school admissions interviews... and never lose sight of what inspired them to pursue this profession in the first place."
Quick Facts About Dr. O'Neal:
| Name | Suzanne O'Neal, PT, D.P.T., D.H.Sc. |
|---|---|
| Title | Professor |
| College | College of Health Sciences |
| Campus | Glendale |
| Joined Midwestern University | 2014 |
What is Dr. O'Neal’s role at Midwestern University?
I am a Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program where I teach our neurologic rehabilitation curriculum for our residential students.
What drew Dr. O'Neal to physical therapy education?
As a clinician, I always loved having students in the clinic. It was such a positive experience to see them learn and get excited about neurologic physical therapy. I knew that at some point in my career, going into academia would be my calling.
What are Dr. O'Neal’s research interests in physical therapy?
My research interests include Parkinson's disease interventions and educational research.
What does Dr. O'Neal find most rewarding about teaching and mentoring Midwestern University students?
I just love seeing students go from being very intimidated to confident future clinicians.
What advice does Dr. O'Neal hope students carry into their healthcare careers?
I always encourage my students to remember the excitement, passion, and motivation they felt during their PT school admissions interviews. I remind them to hold on to that enthusiasm and never lose sight of what inspired them to pursue this profession in the first place. Throughout their careers, there will inevitably be challenges, but reconnecting with their original purpose and remembering how hard they worked to get here can help them stay grounded and find meaning in the work they do.
What does Dr. O'Neal wish more people understood about physical therapy education?
Physical therapy education, as with most other programs, is more than just teaching knowledge and skills. We are also facilitating critical thinking, decision-making, adaptability, and most importantly, trying to instill compassion. Additionally, healthcare is dynamic; therefore, it is also important to learn how to keep up with and critique the latest evidence so that your practice stays up to date.
What does Dr. O'Neal enjoy doing outside of Midwestern University?
I love traveling with my family. I also like to run ridiculously long distances. I've done several 100-mile races and am training for my first 200 miler!
